CSIRO is studying management practices such as crop sequence, nitrogen fertiliser application, and tillage and stubble management with the aim of helping farms remain sustainable and profitable into the future.

This site contains resources and information from a highly regarded reliable source regarding sustainable farming which is related to the area of agriculture studies. Whilst agricultural studies is not a common subject studied by primary aged students it could be of great interest to certain students and provide a vehicle for other learning. The information provided on this site could be used by students for learning, assessment and research project or by educators in designing units and activities. Due to the high literacy level of the information, in a special education context it would be more likely used to inform educators.

The CSIRO has provided this informational website on sustainable farming. It provides succinct information on many of the issues related to soil preparation, such as the impact over-watering (high quantities of salinity in the soil) and not planting enough native vegetation can have on the sustainability of farming. In addition, it provides possible solutions and technologies available to rectify these issues.

The curriculum area of technology includes the learning area of computing. Responsible digital citizenship is an important component of computing education. This resource is an interactive story about how to be safe on the internet. It helps students to be aware of what consequences might result from their actions on the internet. Students with disabilities can often be vulnerable to being taken advantage of and it is important to provide an education for these students that protect them. The way that this information is presented makes it appealing and engaging and provides students with fun memorable examples.

The youth.gov.au website and Youth Forum (AYF) is a key communication channel between the Australian Government, young people aged 15-24 and the youth sector.

Bek Atkins's insight:

With the new Australian Curriculum: Technology strand to be released soon the Australian government is seeking students views on technology and the technology strand. This is a great way to get your students involved in their education and their future in this incredibly important learning area.

WATERFORD — The sound of coffee makers gurgling and blenders whirring filled a room Thursday at Waterford High School.

Bek Atkins's insight:

This article is an example of how a school has though differently about the question of educating students with special needs. This concept of a coffee shop run by students incorporates the technology areas of business and home economics in an authentic and relevant way. The authentic nature of the task engages students and helps them to acquire the technology skills. There is room to move within this project and create a variety of different design and creation projects. The positive flow on effects are extensive from academic improvement, to improved social skills and better emotional wellbeing. This project would look very different in different school settings and the base concept allows for freedom to meet student needs and interests.

Adam Kissiah invented the cochlear implant. This page provides information on the the history of the cochlear implant and implantable hearing device.

Bek Atkins's insight:

When teaching any student it is important to use content that is relevant to the student’s life and interests. This is no different for students with disabilities. Hearing impaired students may find it more interesting to research a device that they regularly use, such as a Cochlear Implant, over an irrelevant technology such as a radio.

This article would be suitable for upper primary students to read and use or to supply information to teachers planning activities.

I love cooking for family and friends, and as all the pros will tell you, food always tastes more flavourful when it's made with fresh herbs. This quick, kid-friendly project lets you get a head start growing an herb garden before summer comes and will afford the luxury of fresh ingredients year-round. And after a long winter, I'm starved for spring greenery, and these pretty tea tins, brimming with plant life, add welcome colour to a windowsill or kitchen shelf.

This is an easy project that students of all abilities can achieve. This activity would develop skills in line with statements in the Australian National Curriculum: science - biological science for years F- 2. [(ACSSU002), (ACSSU017), (ACSSU211) and (ACSSU030).] These statements call for students to observe the biological processes of a variety of different organisms. The positive point for using plants is that if they are roughly treated or neglected the consequences are less traumatic then if it was a guinea pig.

This activity would also translate to Home Economics where students could use their herbs to create nutritional meals. Special needs students (and in fact all young children) can be very picky about their food, especially if it is green! By growing, nurturing and then using their own produce, students have ownership and this may make students more likely to try and like the foods.

Through the teaching of Home Economics skills students can begin to acquire the necessary life skills to become independent.

This site contains hands on activities that support students learning in the area of agriculture. These activities require no or very little adaption to make them friendly for the special education classroom. These activities would be well incorporated in a unit examining the growing of food or as a great introduction activity to the agriculture subject area.

The Literacy Shed is home to a wealth of visual resources that I have collected over my 10 year career as a primary school teacher. I trawl YouTube, vimeo and other sites looking for suitable...

Bek Atkins's insight:

The literacy shed is a collection of visual resources that can be used for a variety of subjects including technology. These resources would be useful for business and media studies and are great discussion starters. Many students with disabilities, especially students with ASD, are visual learners. These resources cater to this learning style well. With the variety of resources it is possible to find something that interests and engages each student.

This article contains a comparison of different software that can be used to make screencast presentations. These screencasts could be created as part of the media sub section of technology. Students could use these programs to create and infinite array of presentations including advertisements, news reports and public announcements. This comparison is useful as it presents a range of software which teachers can compare to see which would be best suited for their students. It is important when working with students with special needs to ensure that you have the right platform to support learning that works with the student strengths and skills.

Scratch is a computer programing tool for children. Children can create animations, stories and games. This program is all about designing and creating which are skills at the heart of the technology curriculum. This software would be useful in a special education context for students who are gifted and talented in the area of computers, programing and ICT. This software allows these students endless possibilities. The software allows these gifted and talented students to explore their interests and skills and produce work that can be shared with their classmates.

The simple presence of an animal can strongly enhance positive social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to new.

Bek Atkins's insight:

This article shows what a positive impact using animals to teach a variety of subject could have. Students with ASD with particularly benefit from the inclusion of agricultural science in the curriculum. This subject is not often taught at the primary school level. It is also not a subject often recommended for SEN students as basic mathematical and English skills are of priority. However this article suggests what most good teachers already know. By teaching with engaging subject matter that students respond to (Ag science/animals, all kinds of unanticipated benefits can occur (Increased class participation/ improvement in social skills).

Student Artwork on Display for the 41st Annual ASD Student Art Exhibition KTUU.com Almost 500 pieces of student artwork are on display at three locations for the 41st Annual Anchorage School District Student Art Exhibition.

Bek Atkins's insight:

Making technology in the form of art tools and approaches available to students with speach language impairment, emotional disturbances, ADHD and ASD could help these students to express, in a different medium, what they find hard or for some students impossible in words. For some students with ASD, art could open a window into the child’s world that would allow teachers to gain a new perspective on the child, their interests and motivations. Not all students would enjoy all arts activities so it is important to expose children to a variety of formats including woodwork, metal work, sculpting and painting with a variety of tools, to allow them to find something they enjoy.

These activities can be very therapeutic for students but, depending on the medium and activity, can link back to the Essential Learnings for technology and The arts.

Sharing your scoops to your social media accounts is a must to distribute your curated content. Not only will it drive traffic and leads through your content, but it will help show your expertise with your followers.

Integrating your curated content to your website or blog will allow you to increase your website visitors’ engagement, boost SEO and acquire new visitors. By redirecting your social media traffic to your website, Scoop.it will also help you generate more qualified traffic and leads from your curation work.

Distributing your curated content through a newsletter is a great way to nurture and engage your email subscribers will developing your traffic and visibility.
Creating engaging newsletters with your curated content is really easy.